Jamia Millia Islamia Fosters Alumni Bonds at Annual Meet
The Department of Social Work at Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) successfully hosted its Annual Alumni Meet 2025 on November 22 at the department premises. The event, centered on the theme "The Power of Connection – Strengthening the Alumni Network," successfully brought together 44 alumni, faculty members, and current students to celebrate their shared academic heritage and look towards a collaborative future.
A Nostalgic and Forward-Looking Gathering
The atmosphere was filled with nostalgia as attendees sang the Jamia Tarana, reinforcing the deep emotional connection alumni hold for their alma mater. In his address, Prof. R. R. Patil, Head of the Department, highlighted that this alumni meet has been a cherished tradition for nearly 30 years. He stressed the importance of relationships that go beyond mere transactions, stating, "The more we invest in strengthening alumni networks, the more we invest in our students and the future of this department. Let us pledge to remain connected, stay involved, and help the department grow."
Celebrating Achievements and Departmental Progress
Prof. V. B. Sahare, Director of Field Work, addressed the gathering by reflecting on the significant achievements of alumni across various sectors. He emphasized their crucial role as guides and pathways for current students. Prof. Sahare also shared key departmental updates, briefing everyone on the robust fieldwork ecosystem, capacity-building initiatives, industry collaborations, and the ongoing international academic exchange programme with the University of Applied Sciences, Germany.
The guest of honour, Prof. Zubair Meenai, reflected on Jamia's 105-year legacy, reiterating that alumni are central to the university's reputation and progress. He acknowledged that the institution's improved national and global rankings are a direct result of the professional excellence and contributions of its former students.
Concrete Commitments for a Brighter Future
Following a cultural segment that featured Nazm Khwani, alumni from different graduating batches shared reflections on their professional journeys. A key outcome of this session was a collective proposal for several new initiatives designed to support current students and strengthen the department. The alumni committed to:
- Launching a scholarship for the topper of the MA HRM programme to promote academic excellence and financial accessibility.
- Initiating a structured mentorship programme for M.A. Social Work students, focusing on professional development and career guidance.
- Emphasizing the importance of continuous networking and interdisciplinary collaboration between batches.
The event also saw the launch of the Placement Brochure 2024–26 by the placement committee, followed by detailed presentations from students of MA Social Work and MA HRM showcasing their academic and field engagement activities.
